Energy Justice in Native America

When considering energy production, resource extraction, housing and energy efficiency it is essential that the administration take into account the disproportionate impacts of climate change and energy development on American Indian reservation and Alaska Native villages, and the potential for catalyzing green reservation economies. We ask that the administration consult with Honor the Earth, Intertribal Council On Utility Policy and the Indigenous Environmental Network, representing a network of 250 grassroots tribal organizations and tribes, to ensure input from impacted communities is fully taken into account, and to ensure Native American participation in the green economy of the future.

A just nation‐to‐nation relationship means breaking the cycle of asking Native America to choose between economic development and preservation of its cultures and lands; renewable energy and efficiency improvements provide opportunity to do both simultaneously. A green, carbon‐reduced energy policy has major national and international human rights, environmental and financial consequences, and we believe that this administration can provide groundbreaking leadership on this policy. The reality is that the most efficient, green economy will need the vast wind and solar resources that lie on Native American lands. This provides the foundation of not only a green low carbon economy but also catalyzes development of tremendous human and economic potential in the poorest community in the United States‐ Native America.Please click here for the full report